For example, the world standard for broad gauge railway line is 4 feet and 8½ inches between the parallel tracks. This odd figure has its origin in the axle-width of Roman army chariots designed to accommodate the rear ends of two horses yoked side-by-side.

Notable Quotable

Standards and Standardization Affecting Businesses

"Be sure to understand how standards and standardization might affect your business. Standards typically generate more value for users, by enhancing interoperability, reducing uncertainty for customers and vendors, reducing customer lock-in, reducing the likelihood of price wars, enabling the industry to grow faster, and shifting value from manufacturers to users. The exception is when one company controls the standards, in which case that company can capture more of the value, increase customer lock-in, and reduce innovation."